Koelnmesse Delivers Strong 2025 Performance, Reinforcing Its Position as a Global Trade Fair Leader

COLOGNE, Germany — Koelnmesse has reported an outstanding financial performance for 2025, demonstrating resilience and sustained growth despite ongoing global economic and geopolitical challenges. The international trade fair organizer recorded annual turnover of €455.5 million and a consolidated profit of €62 million, underscoring the strength of its globally recognized event portfolio and long-term investment strategy.

The company welcomed approximately 2.5 million visitors from 214 countries and hosted more than 43,800 exhibitors representing 120 nations, further strengthening Cologne’s reputation as one of the world’s premier destinations for international trade fairs and business events.

Koelnmesse Chief Executive Officer Gerald Böse credited the company’s success to its established brands, international expansion, and continuous investment in innovation.

“Our development demonstrates that strong brands, a global presence, and long-term investments provide stability and create opportunities for growth, even during uncertain times,” Böse said.

Among the year’s strongest performers was Anuga, the world’s leading food and beverage trade fair, which reached historic milestones by attracting more than 8,000 exhibitors from 110 countries—the largest participation in the event’s history. The exhibition once again confirmed its status as one of the industry’s most influential global marketplaces.

Meanwhile, gamescom continued its remarkable growth, setting new records for international participation, exhibitor numbers, and exhibition space. Koelnmesse also expanded successful brands through new initiatives, including ISM Ingredients, further strengthening its integrated platform for the global confectionery and snack industry.

International growth remained a key pillar of the company’s strategy throughout 2025. Koelnmesse now manages a global portfolio of 53 international events, with eight new exhibitions introduced during the year across emerging markets including Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and India. This expansion reflects the company’s commitment to bringing industry-leading trade fairs to fast-growing economies while reinforcing its worldwide presence.

Beyond trade fairs, Koelnmesse also celebrated the successful first full year of operation for Confex, its state-of-the-art congress and event venue. The facility hosted more than 40 events, ranging from international corporate meetings to scientific conferences and major medical congresses. The strong demand helped Koelnmesse subsidiary Koelncongress welcome more than one million guests for the first time in its history.

Koelnmesse also attracted international recognition through its management of the German Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. The pavilion, themed “Wa! Germany,” welcomed more than three million visitors and received two prestigious awards from the Bureau International des Expositions, including the Sustainability Award and the Silver Award for thematic development. The project showcased Germany’s leadership in sustainability and innovation while highlighting Koelnmesse’s expertise in delivering complex global events.

The company’s impact extends well beyond its own financial results. According to a recent Prognos study, Koelnmesse’s events generate approximately €2.64 billion in economic activity across Germany each year, supporting around 25,000 jobs nationwide. Within Cologne alone, the trade fair industry contributes roughly €1.36 billion annually to the local economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants, retailers, logistics providers, and countless service businesses.

Cologne Mayor Torsten Burmester emphasized the wider significance of the company’s achievements, noting that Koelnmesse serves as a powerful engine for regional prosperity by attracting international business, investment, and tourism.

Looking ahead, the company expects 2026 to present new challenges due to the cyclical nature of major trade fairs and continued global economic uncertainty. Several flagship exhibitions operate on two- or three-year schedules and will return in 2027, while some events in Saudi Arabia have been postponed to align with market conditions.

Despite these headwinds, Koelnmesse remains confident in its long-term strategy. The company continues to invest heavily in digital transformation, sustainable energy infrastructure, and modernization of its exhibition grounds. With plans to invest more than €1 billion by 2040, Koelnmesse is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of international exhibitors and visitors while reinforcing Cologne’s standing as one of the world’s leading exhibition destinations.

Having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024, Koelnmesse continues to demonstrate why it remains one of the most respected names in the global trade fair industry. Its strong financial results, expanding international footprint, and commitment to innovation illustrate a company that is not only navigating today’s challenges successfully but also building a solid foundation for future growth.